Mingo County: History, Trails and River Routes

When planning your trip to Mingo County, you can choose from a range of interests: the history of the Mine Wars and historic buildings, as well as trails, waterways and wildlife. The places and activities also vary in how much time they take—from exhibits and guided tours to a stretch of water trail. You can start by considering which topics and timeframe suit your trip.

History in Matewan and Williamson

Matewan is home to several sites connected to the history of the Mine Wars. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum stands at the site of a historic battle that broke out in May 1920. Its exhibits include archival photos, videos, eyewitness accounts, artifacts, replicas and timelines. The museum also preserves the voices of people who experienced these events. In the same building, historical objects and personal memories are both at the center of the story.

Another way to explore the town’s history is the Matewan Depot Replica Museum: it is a replica of the depot building that stood across from the railroad tracks, opposite downtown Matewan, until the 1960s. The Matewan Floodwall surrounds downtown. Its exterior features an engraved mural of the town’s history, created with carefully arranged vertical grooves. Construction of the 2,350-foot-long wall began in 1992; a walkway along the floodwall connects views of public art with the Tug Fork River.

Buildings also provide distinctive historical highlights. The Coal House was built from 65 tons of coal in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Williamson, a statue and fountain at the Chief Logan Memorial commemorate Chief Logan. If you are interested in a cultural history trip, you can visit these sites alongside the Matewan Historic District, which is listed as a National Historic Landmark in Mingo County.

The Dingess Petroglyphs are located near the lake, after being moved there from their original site at a surface mine near Dingess. Their current location and relocation are part of their history; the original discovery site also places them in the area’s mining landscape.

Trail Systems, Lakes and River Routes

The Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse and Rockhouse trail systems are connected. The Devil Anse Trail System is in turn linked to Rockhouse and Buffalo Mountain, forming a connected network of more than 300 miles of trails. These connections are a distinct focus for travelers who want to include several trail systems in their plans.

Specific rules apply to the water at Laurel Lake in the Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area: the lake covers 29 acres, and only electric motors are allowed. The area also has an accessible fishing pier. Access routes to the Big South Wildlife Management Area differ depending on which side you are heading to: reach the west side via Route 119 and Route 65 South to Delbarton; the east side is accessible via Route 44 south and Route 52 west.

The Tomblin Wildlife Management Area spans Logan and Mingo counties. Guided Elk Management Tours take participants deep into the area for four hours in September or October, giving them a chance to learn about the WVDNR’s elk restoration program. Since the tours are offered seasonally, check current dates and booking options in advance.

The Bloody Mingo Tug Fork River Water Trail runs for more than 60 miles along the entire length of Mingo County and its border with Pike and Martin counties in Kentucky. West Virginia recognizes it as a certified water trail. A shorter section, a 5.9-mile route from Burnwell Beach to Williamson, is listed as a recommended trip. Check river access and conditions before setting out.

Choose Experiences by Interest and Timeframe

The duration of individual activities can also shape your plans. Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tours depart from a dock immediately beside downtown Matewan and pass historic sites connected to the Hatfield–McCoy feud. Depending on the request, tours last 20 to 80 minutes; calling is recommended for reservations. Check availability before your trip. By comparison, the guided Elk Management Tours last four hours and are limited to September or October.

If golf is among your travel interests, Twisted Gun Golf Course in Gilbert offers another specific point of reference: the course has 18 holes, is par 72 and measures 7,015 yards from the back tees. When looking for a hotel in Mingo County, you can first decide whether to focus on cultural history, trail systems, river activities or golf. The tours and routes described here vary in both subject and timeframe.

Explore more destinations: Williamson, Borderland, Monongalia, Mineral County, Berkeley County, Summers, Pocahontas County, Mercer County.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.